Sunday, February 2, 2014
What Is an Alternator Core Charge
When buying an alternator, or other car part, many consumers are surprised to learn that they are charged a core deposit. However, the deposit is returned when the old alternator is returned to the parts store.
How it Works
When buying a new alternator, the buyer pays the price of the alternator plus a deposit. After the new alternator is put onto the car, the buyer can exchange the old alternator for the deposit.
Conditions
The conditions for the old alternator to be accepted will vary depending on store policy. Information on the core return should be given at the time of purchase and is often included on the receipt. Most cores must be returned in rebuildable condition, within a set amount of time and in the box that the new part was sold in.
Core Deposit Purpose
The reason parts stores want the old alternator is that it will be sent to be remanufactured and resold. Parts stores charge the core deposit to assure that they receive the old part.
